London Irish team of the season according to getreading users

A fortnight ago we asked getreading users to select their London Irish team of the season, here are the results

getreading asked London Irish fans to pick their team of the season from the players that featured for Exiles this year.

Hundreds of you responded and we're delighted to present London Irish's best XV as chosen by getreading users - with Sports Editor Alan Manicom giving his verdict.

Top of the props

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Alan Manicom's verdict: Director of rugby Brian Smith named Matt Parr as the club's unsung hero. The loose-head prop may not have received many plaudits from the media, but his value was never under-estimated within the London Irish dressing-room - and it seems by the supporters. He and Leo Halavatau made the most appearances for Exiles last season and deservedly got the biggest vote. Halani Aulika was third in our poll, despite missing all but the first three games due to a ruptured achilles.

Hooker

5.04%

92.44%

2.52%

Alan Manicom's verdict: Only one winner here. David Paice's abrasive style earned him the vast majority of the votes. Unfortunately an arm injury ruled him out of the final five games of the season and undoubtedly cost him a place on England's summer tour to New Zealand. I expect Gerard Ellis to give Paicey a real challenge for the starting spot next season when he switches from back-row to hooker.

Second row

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Alan Manicom's verdict: No real surprise to see inspirational captain George Skivington out in front with an almost unanimous vote of confidence - 98.32 per cent. Players' player of the year Nic Rouse was your choice to partner him.

Back row

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Alan Manicom's verdict: Another massive show of support for Supporters and Coaches' Player of the Year Blair Cowan, who had an excellent first season with the club after joining from Worcester Warriors last year. Samoa international Ofisa Treviranus was also a nailed on starter, but there was very little to choose for that final spot in the back row, veteran Chris Hala'ufia just getting the nod over Kieran Low and Jebb Sinclair.

Scrum-half

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Alan Manicom's verdict: Tomas O'Leary was overwhelmingly your choice for the No. 9 shirt. The Ireland international rediscovered his form around the time Exiles recorded impressive away wins at Saracens and Wasps. Pat Phibbs picked up almost as many votes as Darren Allinson, despite only featuring in pre-season. Losing the Aussie scrum-half to a broken foot for the whole season was a massive blow.

Fly-half

0.84%

94.12%

5.04%

Alan Manicom's verdict: Shane Geraghty replaced Ian Humphreys as first-choice fly-half midway through the season. He put in some stellar displays that would have surely earned him a look-in with England had Stuart Lancaster not got such a wealth of talent at his disposal right now. Irish will miss Humphreys' game management when he returns to Ulster next season, but he was a weak link defensively.

Centres

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Alan Manicom's verdict: Eamonn Sheridan was most people's second choice for player of the year behind Blair Cowan. He and Fergus Mulchrone, your other choice to play in the centre, impressed hugely following their step up from playing in the Championship with Rotherham. Just as well, considering Guy Armitage's season was cut short by a knee injury, while Setaimata Sa's never really got started. Teenager Tom Fowlie showed he has a bright future at the club.

Wings

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Alan Manicom's verdict: How many people would have expected Andrew Fenby to top this category at the start of the season? He finished the campaign on fire, scoring six tries in Irish's last four Premiership games. His season's tally of 13 was the highest of any player. England international Marland Yarde, who is off to rivals Harlequins, polled the second largest vote. His hat-trick of tries against Gloucester at Kingsholm was a joy to behold despite Exiles' 38-30 defeat.

Full-back

5.04%

94.96%

Alan Manicom's verdict: No real competition here. Tom Homer was out with a groin injury for most of the season, and his replacement James O'Connor lit up Irish's attacking play. A shame that the Australia international is off to European champions Toulon, but not in the least bit unexpected.